As of Dec. 7, the Drought Monitor shows our area as unchanged with just some abnormally dry conditions to the north/northeast of Great Bend.  However, severe and extreme drought are continuing to expand. The weather outlook for moisture isn’t promising. The six to ten-day outlook (Dec. 15 to 19) indicates we are predicted to have a chance of 70% to 80% of above normal temperatures and a 33% to 40% chance of above normal precipitation. The eight- to 14-day outlook (Dec. 17 to 23) indicates we have a 40% to 50% chance of above normal temperatures and a 33% to 40% chance of above normal precipitation. Not promising for the 2022 wheat crop. One of the major stories this fall and heading into 2022 is the dramatic increase in crop input prices, especially fertilizer. Today, instead of the why of high prices, let’s focus on what producers are thinking about and what they can do.

A producer’s initial reaction when fertilizer prices increase is to use less. This year it’s quite understandable. Now is typically a time when fertilizer prices decrease, especially nitrogen. This year they haven’t just gone up as the prices for nitrogen and phosphorus have skyrocketed. Producers also realize it takes a certain amount of each nutrient to produce a bushel of grain for a given crop. 

Some will simply use the normal amounts of other inputs (seed, herbicide, etc.) and hope for the best. However, savvy producers will look to other options. So what are they?

• Set lower yield goals per acre to fit prices, however, this the least desirable option for a number of reasons. Or simply plant fewer acres which again isn’t a great option for many, especially those still paying for or leasing the land. Lenders don’t like idle land and you still have to maintain it. So what are better options. And better options depend on many factors such as soil type, climate, irrigation, markets, etc.

• The first and most important item is to know what’s in your soil. This fall/early winter a standard soil test for pH, P, K, organic matter but not nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) (unless you have wheat in the field) until closer to spring planting. This is a starting point. Except for nitrogen and sulfur, you have a starting point to determine nutrient needs based on crop and yield goal. Knowing your organic matter content provides an idea of how much N and S might become available next summer. N and S tests should be done as close to application as possible as they are released by microbes as they break down organic matter.  

• If possible and practical, plant crops requiring less fertilizer inputs, especially fertilizer nitrogen. Soybeans are a prime example. In northwest Kansas, it might be dry edible beans is practical.

• Do everything possible to minimize plant stress and nutrient waste – pest control, moisture conservation, irrigation if available. Plant as early as practical and consider hybrid/variety maturity.

• Are manures available? This is an option for phosphorus and some N while adding organic matter.

• There are a number of biologicals becoming available to enhance nutrient availability and do work, especially for phosphorus.

Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.